My bottle is from July of 2019. Since the distillery was mothballed in 1996 and reopened again only in 2001, there’s a chance that in 2019 this 18-year old Allardice still has some of that older whisky in it. Don’t know if it actually does, but the price of $140 at Costco certainly suggests that. The color is natural amber, very viscous, and likely non-chill-filtered although the bottle doesn’t state that. Nose is delicate, mature, and complex, with notes of sherry (it’s matured in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks after all), black pepper, vanilla, oak, and caramel. Palate is sweet and round, with creamy texture, and notes of raisins, oak, vanilla, and more sherry. Finish is not very long but nice, with more sweetness of ripe fruit, and oaky-vanilla notes. So far - good, but not very impressive. After a few sips I start noticing subtle smokiness on the back, the kind you would typically find in older drams - that of a smoked salmon. Perhaps it does have some of that older influence in it after all - “so you’re telling me there’s chance...” A few drops of water in this 46% ABV whisky definitely opens more of its character. The palate becomes more floral and fruity, opening some apricot and dark chocolate notes. The finish also becomes longer and more balanced, and that smoked note intensifies. Much more interesting after about 20 minutes. In another 20-30 minutes this dram opens all of its complexity. It’s an absolute masterpiece - complex, rich, and round. Has everything you would wish for in a sherry-cask whisky. I have to admit, I was initially hesitant to say I would pay $140 for this again as I thought Kirkland’s 20-year-old 46% ABV sherry cask finish whisky from Alexander Murray was almost as good for less than half the price. After giving it some time though, I think it’s definitely worth it - probably one of the best sherry cask drams I’ve had. I can see how this didn’t get a very good rating though, you have to give it time to develop. Lovers of complex sherry cask influences - this whisky is for you, but don’t rush it